An Evaluation of the Acceptability, Appropriateness, and Utility of a Bibliotherapy for Children of Parents With a Mental Illness

Abstract

BackgroundChildren of parents with a mental illness are at higher risk for various psychiatric problems and adaptive difficulties compared to those of parents without mental health problems. Certain preventive psychoeducational interventions target these children to promote their well-being and resilience and prevent the emergence of adaptive difficulties. However, few such interventions have been developed and evaluated specifically for elementary school-aged children of parents with a mental illness.ObjectivesThis study aims to evaluate an interpersonal psychotherapy-based book targeting children living with a parent with a mental illness.MethodsThe study examines children, parents and psychosocial workers' perception of the acceptability, appropriateness and utility of the book. In total, 22 participants answered online open-ended questions after reading the book.ResultsThe book was highly appreciated and positively perceived by the families and psychosocial workers. Results suggest that children, parents and psychosocial workers viewed it as an appropriate and useful tool for supporting children with a parent with a mental illness. The present study reveals that the bibliotherapy appears well adapted to the developmental level of school-age children.DiscussionThis study presents a book that shows promise for supporting the resilience of elementary school-aged children having a parent with a mental illness. Results highlight the importance of tailoring the content and modalities of interventions to the developmental level, needs and preferences of elementary school-aged children. The relevance of a collaborative method is also discussed, thus providing knowledge regarding this type of approach for the development of interventions targeting children.

Bibliotherapy as an adjuvant tool in the treatment of emotional challenges in early schoolchildren

“…Vista desde la didáctica de la literatura y las aproximaciones psicoterapéuticas, esta aúna herramientas para promover el desarrollo integral de las personas, especialmente en el afrontamiento de situaciones complejas, enfermedades o procesos paranormativos. De acuerdo con la literatura, la biblioterapia es una técnica cada vez más usada por bibliotecólogos y pedagogos alrededor del mundo, para asistir a los individuos y ayudarles a aceptar, lidiar y eventualmente manejar sus emociones negativas a partir de ejercicios de lectura guiada (Mehdizadeh y Khosravi, 2019;Vetri et al, 2022;Wang et al, 2020). La biblioterapia favorece procesos de personificación e identificación con los personajes y las situaciones de las historias utilizadas, permitiendo enfrentar los problemas de los participantes desde un ambiente seguro, seguido de una discusión individual o en grupo (Abraham et al., 2021;Eddy et al, 2022;Jewell et al, 2022).…”

“…De acuerdo con los textos consultados, la biblioterapia permite a los niños examinar emociones compartidas con otros, como un medio para afrontar problemas emocionales y socializar en un ambiente favorable; esto contribuye al desarrollo de sus habilidades para la vida (Spates et al, 2023;Sunden, 2023;Vetri et al, 2022). De acuerdo con los resultados de diversos estudios, la biblioterapia promueve la aceptación de fobias, adecuación al cambio, la reducción del impacto del duelo y la pérdida, lo que ayuda a reducir los niveles de ansiedad y miedo, tanto en los niños como en sus familias o cuidadores (Martínez Caballero et al, 2023;Olsson et al, 2021).…”

Bibliotherapy by medical librarians for the blind females

“…The results revealed that bibliotherapy effectively improves the forgiveness feeling, anxiety, depression and fatigue in nursing students. Vetri et al (2022) tested the impact of bibliotherapy on the acceptability of elementary school-aged children of parents with a mental illness. The participants were eight children, eight parents, and six psychologists.…”

Effective reduction of anxiety in hospitalised children through bibliotherapy

“…The deliberate curation of age‐appropriate books that align with a child's interests and emotional condition can play a pivotal role in cultivating a constructive mindset, facilitating emotional assimilation and providing solace during periods of difficulty. Bibliotherapy plays a crucial role in the comprehensive treatment of hospitalised children, aiding in the enhancement of their mental well‐being and resilience 15 . A study conducted by Mahar Naina et al.…”

“…Bibliotherapy plays a crucial role in the comprehensive treatment of hospitalised children, aiding in the enhancement of their mental well-being and resilience. 15 A study conducted by Mahar Naina et al demonstrated that bibliotherapy is a viable approach for mitigating anxiety levels among hospitalised children. The findings of this study indicate that bibliotherapy is not only cost-effective but also offers the flexibility of being implemented at any given time.…”